WHITE COUPLE WINS CUSTODY OF BLACK BABY

CHICAGO - An Illinois judge today ruled that a politically
prominent white Chicago couple should be the permanent guardians of a
3-year-old boy, rather than the child's mother, a black woman who is a
recovering cocaine addict.

The judge, Judith Brawka of Circuit Court, transferred guardianship of
the boy from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
to Judge Anne Burke of Appellate Court and Alderman Edward Burke, who
were already the boy's foster parents.

Judge Brawka was brought in from a nearby county in 1998 to assure
that the Burkes' influence in Chicago politics would play no part in
deciding custody.

Judge Brawka's ruling turned down a request from the boy's mother,
Tina Olison, for overnight visits with her son, who was born with
cocaine in his system.

Ms. Olison is currently allowed to visit the child for four hours
every other week. The ruling today gave her an additional visit each
month. Ms. Olison said she would appeal.

"I am disappointed," she said after the hearing. "I had hoped for more
time, and I hope it will be increased."